The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial to assess whether gas drains reduce shoulder pain following gynaecological laparoscopy.
To assess the effects on patient discomfort of an intraabdominal passive gas drain left for four hours postoperatively following gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ No complications were attributed to the presence and withdrawal of the drain tube. Shoulder pain following operative or diagnostic laparoscopy was significantly reduced for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours by the presence of a patent passive gas drain for the first four hours postoperatively. The drains were easy to use and had no associated morbidity We recommend that in the absence of the need for an active drain, all patients undergoing laparoscopy should have a gas drain inserted for a period of four hours after the completion of the procedure.